take a direction

USAGE SUMMARY

"take a direction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts to indicate that someone should choose a course of action or a path to follow. For example, you could say, "If you want to make a successful career change, you need to take a direction and stick with it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Let's take a direction that is perpendicular to the base.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

According to chapter's viewpoint of damage tolerance, critical structure might take a direction in defining the ''ultimate strength damage'' that would select the damage size, so that ultimate static strength and damage tolerance requirements were equally critical.

Composite Structures, Design, Safety and Innovation

It seems that I lack a natural understanding for what is matter of course and obvious to others... Every person knows how to behave, to take a direction, or to think something specific... [A]ll these involve rules that the person follows.

Harvard Review of Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"They had taken a direction he now regretted".

The New York Times

But then the high school textbook takes a direction that has angered conservatives.

The New York Times

Mr Obama took a direction in Libya that was deliberately distinct from the one Mr Bush trod in Iraq.

The Economist

"This exercise does not mean the N.P.A. is taking a direction of discontinuing the prosecution," he said.

The New York Times

Russia was still very much interested in telling stories and narrative, [but] outside [Russia], dance took a direction toward more abstract, formalist productions.

Princeton University

She accused UKIP leader Gerard Batten of alienating his members by taking "a direction that I'm not comfortable with".

BBC

I told him things had taken a direction for the worse.

HuffPost

We have to take a new direction in Iraq, and that direction is out.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take a direction", ensure the context clearly indicates what entity is making the choice and what factors are influencing that choice. For example, "The company decided to take a new direction after analyzing market trends."

Common error

Avoid using "take a direction" without specifying the direction being taken or the rationale behind it. A sentence like "They decided to take a direction" lacks clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a direction" functions as a verb phrase, where "take" is the main verb and "a direction" acts as its direct object. It signifies the act of choosing or adopting a specific course or path, often in response to changing circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "take a direction" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies the act of choosing or adopting a specific course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and can be applied in various contexts. While not exceptionally common, it appears across diverse domains, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the entity making the choice and the reasons behind it. Remember that related phrases such as "choose a path" or "adopt a strategy" might offer more nuanced alternatives depending on your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

choose a path

Focuses on the selection of a route or course, emphasizing decision-making.

adopt a strategy

Emphasizes the implementation of a plan or method to achieve a goal.

chart a course

Highlights the planning and setting of a specific route or direction.

head in a direction

Suggests physical movement or progression toward a specific orientation.

move towards a goal

Focuses on the action of progressing toward a desired outcome or objective.

follow a route

Emphasizes adherence to a pre-defined path or course of action.

select a course of action

Highlights the decision-making aspect of choosing a specific method or plan.

embrace an approach

Indicates the adoption and active use of a particular method or perspective.

opt for a route

Suggests a deliberate choice of one route or course over others.

set a trajectory

Implies establishing a specific path or direction for future development.

FAQs

How can I use "take a direction" in a sentence?

You can use "take a direction" to indicate the act of choosing a path or course of action. For instance, "After careful consideration, the team decided to "take a direction" that prioritized sustainability."

What are some alternatives to "take a direction"?

Alternatives include "choose a path", "adopt a strategy", or "chart a course", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "take a direction" or "go in a direction"?

"Take a direction" emphasizes the decision-making process, while "go in a direction" focuses more on the action of moving or progressing. The best choice depends on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when someone says they "took a different direction"?

It typically means they changed their plan, approach, or focus. It implies a deliberate shift away from a previous course. For example, Madonna decided to "take a different direction" with this album.